Register



Oct. 4, 1955 N. .1. DOVOLIS 2,719,476

REGISTER Filed March 12, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet l IN I-"EN TOR.

BY WX/ Oct. 4, 1955 N. J. DOVOLIS 2,719,476

REGISTER Filed March 12, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

33 fiaralia l 4, 1955 N. J. DOVOLIS 2,719,476

REGISTER Filed March 12, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR.

United States Patent 1 2,719,476 REGISTER Nick J. Dovolis, Minneapolis,.Minn., assignor to Char- Gale Manufacturing Company, Minneapolis, Minn,a

corporation of Minnesota Application March 12, 1952, Serial No. 276,1073 Claims. (Cl. 98-.-108) My invention relates generally to ventilatingapparatus and more specifically to registers for ventilators and thelike.

More particularly my invention resides .in novel register constructionfor air conditioning systems, heating systerns, and the like, and hasfor one of its primary obiectives the provision of means whereby thepassage of air through the register maybe controlled to a fine degree.

Registers commonly used in the heating or air conditioning of variousrooms in the building normally provide for the straight through passageof air therethrough at substantially a right angle to the wall on whichthe register is situated. The use of registers of this type frequentlyresults in unpleasant living conditions, inthat persons located directlyin front of the register are subject to the draft thereof. Anotherimportant object of my invention is, therefore, the provision of novelregister construction, wherein air being received into or disbursed fromthe register flows at an oblique angle to the Wall on which saidregister is situated.

Another object of the invention, is the provision of a register framehaving outwardly flared wall portions which define an air passage and adamper plate movable in opposite directions axially .of said passagebetween passage opened andpassage closed positions.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a register, as setforth, which will permit a greater velocity of air in the ducts orconduits leading thereto, as well as a wider variety of temperature .insaid air, than has been hitherto practicable.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a register, as setforth, comprising a frame which defines an air passage, a damper, andnovel means mounting said damper for movements axially of said passagebetween passage opened and passage closed positions.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a register, asset forth, which is equally adapted for use as an inlet register, aswell as areturn register.

Still another object of my invention is the provision of a register, asset forth, which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and install,whichis eflicient in operation, and which is rugged in construction anddurable in use.

The above and still further highly important objects and advantages ofmy invention will become apparent from the following detailedspecification, appended claims, and attached drawings.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate the invention and in whichlike characters indicate like parts throughout the several views:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view in front elevation of a register built inaccordance with my invention, installed in a wall structure.

Fig. 2 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1, showing parts thereof in adifferent position.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail of the register positioned as in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a view in horizontal section taken substantially on the line4-4 of Pig. 3, on a still further enlarged scale.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 55 of Fig.3, also on an enlarged scale.

Pig. 6, sheet his a fragmentary detailin section taken on the line 66 ofFig. 4.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on .the line 7--7 ofFig. 5.

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Fig. 8 is a view in front elevation .of a modified form of the registerof my invention.

Fig. 9 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 9-9 of Fig.8.

Fig. 10 is a view corresponding to Fig. 9, showing another modified formof the invention.

Fig. 11 is a view in front elevation of a still further modified form ofthe invention.

Fig. 12 is a section taken substantially on the line 12-12 of Fig. 11.

In the preferred embodiment of my invention, illustrated in Figs. 1 to7, inclusive, a transfer :box or the like 1 is shown as being mounted ina wall structure, preferably by being fastened to one or more ofthestuddings 3 of ,the wall structure. The transfer box 1 has an open sidewhich provides an air passage 4 for the movement of air between an airconduit 5 .opening from an adjacent side of the transfer box and theexterior of the wall structure 2. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, one wallelement is cut away to provide an aperture 7 for the reception of thetransfer box. In the preferred embodimentof the invention, the transferbox .1 is generally rectangular in form, and is shown as comprising arear wallt8, opposed end walls 9, and top and bottom walls 10 and 11,respectively. The conduit 5 is connected to the bottom wall 11 by aflanged coupling or the like 12.

The end walls 9 and the top and bottom walls 11 and 11, respectivelyadjacent the open side of the transfer box 1, are formed to provide aforwardly opening peripheral channel 13 which contains a band 14 ofcushioning .material, such as a rubber belt or the like. A generallyrectangular frame 15 comprises a peripheral outer wall 16 and is formedto provide inner end wall portions 17 and inner top wall portions 18,and an inner bottom wall portion 19. At one end, the inner end walls 17and the inner wall 18 are formed to provide a flat seat 20 which extendspartly around the opening defined by the inner walls of the frame 15. Astop flange 21 is rigidly secured to the inner wall portion 19 intheplane of the flat seat 20, for a purpose which will hereinafterbecome apparent. The frame 15 is formed to provide an inner peripheralflange 22 which extends laterally inwardly from the seat 2% and isadapted to be received in the peripheral channel 13 of the transferbox 1. With reference particularly to Figs. 4 and 5, it will be seenthat the inner end walls 17 of the frame flareoutwardly from the seat20, as does the upper inner wall portion 1 8, and that the lower innerwall 19 does not flare outwardly, but is substantially parallel to theaxis of the air passage 4 defined by the end walls 9 and the top andbottom walls 10 and 11 of the transfer box 1. The flaring end wallportions 17, together with the flaring top wall portion 18 and thebottom wall 19 cooperate to define an air passage 23 which is inregistration with the air passage 4 when the flange 22 is containedwithin the channel 13 of the transfer box 1. The inner wall of thechannel 13 is cut away, as indicated at 24, for the reception ofanchoring brackets or the like 25 rigidly secured to the flange 22,preferably by welding or the like. Anchoring screws or the like 26 arescrew-threaded into ears 27 welded or otherwise rigidly secured to theinner surfaces of the opposite end walls 9, whereby to securely hold theframe .in place.

frame 15. The resilience of the packing 14 further provides compensationagainst inaccurate installation of the transfer box 1, which mayotherwise prevent the frame 15 from being held flush against the surfaceof the wall element 6, and presenting a neat appearance.

A generally U-shaped bracket is welded or otherwise rigidly secured atone of its ends to the flange or skirt 22, as indicated at 29, and atits opposite end the stop flange 21, as indicated at 30. The bracket 28is preferably mounted at the lateral center of the frame and has weldedor otherwise rigidly secured at its central portion a threaded burr ornut 31. The nut 31 is in register with a central opening 32 in thebracket. A cross-sectionally noncircular, preferably rectangular slideelement in the nature of a sleeve 33 extends forwardly from the centralportion of the bracket 28, encompassing the nut 31. As shown, the sleeve31 is provided at its rear end with flanges 34 that are welded orotherwise rigidly secured to the central portion of the bracket 28. Asecond slide element in the nature of a generally rectangular sleeve 35is telescopically received in the sleeve 33 for relative slidingmovements. Obviously, the rectangular cross-sectional shape of thecooperating sleeves 33 and 35 prevents relative rotation therebetween.The sleeves 33 and 35 are so disposed that sliding movement therebetweenis in a direction parallel to the axis of the passage 4 in the transferbox 1 and passage 23 in the frame 15. At its forward end, the sleeve 35is provided with flanges or ears 36 to which is spot welded or otherwiserigidly secured a damper plate 37. Said damper plate is of rectangularoutline and of a size to have seating engagement of its marginal edgeportions with the seat and the stop flange 21. As indicated in Figs. 2and 3, the lower marginal edge portion of the damper plate 37 issubstantially slidable on the inner wall portion 19 of the frame 15.Preferably, a working clearance is maintained between the lower marginaledge and the adjacent inner wall portion 19.

The arrangement above described provides that the damper plate may bemoved toward and away from engagement of its marginal edges with theseat 20 and stop flange 21, in a direction axially of the alignedpassages 4 and 23. Assuming that air under pressure is moving throughthe conduit 5 and the transfer box 1, movement of the damper plate 37into seating engagement with the seat 20 will result in movement of airthrough the passage 23. On the other hand, movement of the damper plate37 away from seating engagement with the seat 20, see Figs. 4 to 6,inclusive, will permit a flow of air through the passages 4 and 23adjacent the flared inner wall portions of the frame 15. In thisposition of the damper plate 37, air under pressure from the conduit 5will flow outwardly of the transfer box 1 through the passage 4 thereofand the aligned passage 23, where it will be directed by the damperplate 37 against the flaring wall portions 17 and 18 and flow outwardlyinto the room in the direction of the flared wall portions. Thus, theair entering the room through the register is dispersed over a wide areaand a comfortable living area results.

Means for seating the damper plate in desired position to provide a flowwhich will meet the requirements of a given area, comprises an adjustingscrew 38 which is screw-threaded into the nut 31, and which extendsthrough an aperture 39 in the damper plate 30. At its outer end, thescrew 38 is provided with a narrowed head 40 which engages the damperplate 37. The damper plate is biased toward a register open position bya coil compression spring 41 encompassing the screw 38 within thetelescoping elements 33 and 35 and interposed between the nut 31 and theinner surface of the damper plate 37 under the head 40.

Although I have described my novel register as being utilized to directflow of air into a given area or room, it should be borne in mind thatthe same will operate with equal facility as an air return register.When the register is used to direct the flow of air into a room, it ispreferably located at a relatively high level from the floor, asindicated in Fig. 2. On the other hand, when my register is used toreturn air from the room to a heating plant, or the like, not shown, theregister is preferably located closely adjacent the floor or at least inclose proximity to the floor molding or mopboard, indicated at A. Whenthe device is used as an air return register, as in Fig. 1, air from theroom is drawn into the transfer box at approximately the angle of flareof each of the wall portions 17 and 18, or from widely divergent areasin the room. Thus, much of the normal feeling of draft is eliminated,and a healthier condition exists in the room. In some installations itmay be desired that the inlet register be placed near the floor anddisposed in the manner illustrated in Fig. 1, while the return registermay be rotated close to the ceiling of the room and disposed in themanner illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. The location and disposition of theregisters, of course, depends upon the individual heating or airconditioning problems encountered in a particular system.

In the modified form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, agenerally rectangular register frame 42 is shown as having oppositelyflared inner top and bottom wall portions 43 and 44 respectively, andoppositely flared inner end walls 45 which define an air passage 46 ofgreater cross-sectional area at its forward end 47 than at its innerend, which is defined by a flat shoulder providing a seat 48. Aninwardly projecting flange 49 is of a size and shape to be contained inthe channel 13 of the transfer box of Figs. 4 to 6, inclusive. The frame42 is provided with mounting means for a damper plate 50, which mountingmeans is identical to that of the structure of Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive,and carries identical reference characters. The damper plate 50 has anoutline similar to the cross-sectional shape of the passage 46 and is ofa size to engage the seat 48 to close the passage 46. The damper plate50 is provided with a peripheral flange 51 providing upper and lowerportions 52 and 53 which flare outwardly in the same directions as theiradjacent flared wall portions 43 and 44, respectively, of the frame 42and end portions 54, each of which flares outwardly in substantially thesame direction as their adjacent flared inner end walls 45 of the frame42. The flange 51 on the damper plate 50 aids in the directing of airflowing through the passage 46, and insures a wide angle of divergenceof air currents, thus further reducing the feeling of draft within theroom. It should further be noted that when the damper plate 50 is movedto its closed position, wherein the same engages the seat 48, thevarious portions of the flange 51 will be in abutting engagement withtheir respective flared inner wall portions of the frame 42.

Fig. 10 illustrates a modified arrangement wherein the damper plate 37of Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, is used in connection with the frame 42 ofFigs. 8 and 9. This arrangement, while not directing the flow of airwith quite the accuracy of the register of Figs. 8 and 9, does have aslight advantage in that there is no flange, such as the flange 51,projecting forwardly of the frame 42.

In the modified form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, aregister frame is indicated at 55, and shown as being circular in form,having an outer peripheral wall engaging flange 56 and an inner flaringwall 57 of greater diameter at its outer end than at its inner endportion. Adjacent its inner end, the flaring wall 57 is formed toprovide an annular seat 58 and a circumferentially extending, axiallyinwardly projecting flange 59, which is adapted to be received in themounting channel of a circular transfer box, not shown. Said transferbox may be assumed to be of the same construction as that of thetransfer box 1, except that the same is circular in cross-section. Theflaring inner wall 57 of the frame 56 defines an air passage 60 which isopenable and closable by a circular damper plate 61, having acircumferentially marginally extending flange 62 which flares in thesame direction as the flaring inner wall 57. The damper plate 61 ismounted for opening and closing movements by means identical to thatshown in Figs. 1 to 10, inclusive, on a generally U-shaped bracket 63anchored at its opposite ends by welding, or the like, to thecircumferential flange 59. The aforesaid mounting and adjusting meansfor the damper plate 61 carry the same reference characters as theirrespective parts illustrated in the preceding views.

From the above, it will be seen that my improved register may be made ina variety of shapes and with a wide variety of arrangements. Inpractice, I have found that dampers built in accordance with theinvention herein disclosed have provided a vastly improved distributionof air throughout a room, as well as permitting a substantial increasein the velocity of air in the trunk lines or ducts leading to theregisters. In this connection, it will be appreciated that when using myimproved register as an inlet to the room, air of greater variety oftemperature may be fed to the room to bring the room to the desiredtemperature much more quickly than has been hitherto possible. While Ihave shown a preferred form of the invention, and several modificationsthereof, it will be understood that the same is capable of furthermodification without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, as defined in the claims.

What I claim is:

l. A register for ventilating systems, said register comprising atubular frame having flared wall portions at one of its ends defining apassage of increasing cross sectional area in a direction longitudinallyoutwardly of the frame, said frame being adapted to be mounted against awall surface and in registration with an air passage through said wallsurface, a damper plate having an outline similar to the cross-sectionalshape of the passage and being of a size greater than the smaller end ofsaid passage and smaller than the larger end of the passage, and meansmounting said damper plate for movements in said passage in onedirection axially thereof to cause engagement of marginal edge portionsof said damper plate with adjacent wall portions of said frame to closethe passage and in the opposite direction to cause said marginal edgesof the damper plate to be spaced from the adjacent flared wall portionsof said frame whereby to variably open the passage and direct movementof air between said marginal edges of the damper plate and adjacentflared wall portions and generally in the direction of said flaredportions, said lastmentioned means comprising a pair of cooperatingcrosssectionally polygonal tubular telescoping elements one mounted onsaid damper plate and one mounted on said frame whereby to preventrelative rotation between said damper plate and frame, and a screwdevice extending axially through said telescoping elements, opposite endportions of said screw device engaging said damper plate and frame attheir central portions.

2. In a device of the class described, a transverse box adapted to bemounted in a wall structure and having an open side providing airpassage through a surface of said wall structure, a tubular frame havingflared wall portions at one of its ends defining a passage of increasingcross sectional area in a direction longitudinally outwardly of theframe, means mounting said frame on said transfor box and against a wallsurface of said wall structure, the passage in said frame being inregister with the passage formed by said transfer box, a damper platehaving an outline similar to the cross-sectional shape of the passage insaid frame and being of a size greater than the smaller end of saidlast-mentioned passage and smaller than the larger end of the passage,and means mounting said damper plate for movements in the passage ofsaid frame in one direction axially thereof to cause engagement ofmarginal edge portions of said damper plate with adj; cent wait portionsof said frame to close the passage and in the opposite direction tocause said marginal edges of the damper plate to be spaced from theadjacent flared wall portions of said frame whereby to variably open thepassage and direct movement of air between marginal edges of said damperplate and the adjacent flared wall portions and generally in thedirection of said flared portions, said last-mentioned means comprisinga central bracket extending transversely of said frame, a pair ofcooperating cross-sectionally polygonal telescoping elements one on saidbracket and one on said damper plate, a threaded element on said bracketwithin the telescoping element thereon, an adjusting screw extendingthrough said damper plate and telescoping elements and having threadedengagement with said threaded element, and yielding means interposedbetween said bracket and said damper plate within said telescopingmembers and biasing said damper plate in a passage-opening direction.

3. The structure defined in claim 1 in which said frame defines agenerally rectangular air passage.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS184,955 Condon Dec. 5, 1876 854,595 Newey May 21, 1907 2,125,454Marshall Aug. 2, 1938 2,355,294 Herbster Aug. 8, 1944 2,365,867Dauphinee Dec. 26, 1944 2,369,119 Dauphinee Feb. 13, 1945 2,555,978Kooiker June 5, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 360,727 Great Britain Nov. 12, 1931732,524 France June 14, 1932

